Kyle Kuzma took to social media to issue a statement for Milwaukee Bucks fans.
The Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing 2025-26 season, failing to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
After a 4-1 start, Milwaukee could never find consistency on the court, and injuries to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo left the team trying to figure it out without their centerpiece.
The Bucks were still fighting for a potential play-in spot heading into the All-Star break, and went 3-1 in their first four games out of the break.
That's when the wheels came off as they won just four games from February 27 to April 3, falling too far out of the Play-In race and accepting their fate as a lottery team.
Kyle Kuzma Apologizes
On Instagram, Kuzma apologized to Milwaukee fans, writing, "Thankful for the amazing fans of the Milwaukee Bucks. Truly enjoyed playing in front of you all, thanks for inspiring me to play hard every night. Sorry we underachieved. Until October.."
Kuzma was acquired at the 2025 NBA trade deadline in exchange for longtime fan favorite Khris Middleton.
With Middleton's injuries, Kuzma was brought in to help fill a void alongside Giannis and Damian Lillard.
He played well as a third option following the trade, averaging 14.5 points in 33 games, but disappeared in the playoffs, contributing just 5.8 points and shooting 34% from the field.
This season, with Lillard gone, Kuzma was looked at as a player who would need to step up.
He averaged 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season, but he, much like many on the team, was inconsistent throughout the year.
Managing Expectations And The Future
The Bucks entered the season with an over-under win total of 43.5 games, meaning they were thought to be a team to compete for a play-in spot.
The loss of Lillard and the lack of a true secondary star next to Giannis had many lukewarm on Milwaukee's chances, but having Giannis earned them the benefit of the doubt.
With Giannis playing a career low 36 games, Milwaukee never really stood a chance unless there was a major leap from some of the young players. And while Ryan Rollins had a breakout season, he wasn't ready to carry a roster that was flawed on paper.
For Kuzma, he has one year remaining on his contract before he becomes a free agent in 2027. Milwaukee faces a pivotal offseason that could include trading Giannis. If that were to happen, the team would have to make a decision on many of their veterans, including Kuzma.